Discussions surrounding the use of “Tiny Homes” in Chula Vista will take place today at the city council meeting determining whether the city will become home to the first homeless shelter in the South Bay.
According to the city council agenda, the location for potential Emergency Shelter Units to approve a Service Agreement with Pallet Shelter is at 205 27th street. The company works to end unsheltered homelessness through the construction of pallet shelters in order to bridge a gap from being on the street to traditional housing.
The Sprung Bridge Shelter valued at $800,000 was aimed to be established at this same location before plans were cancelled. Last May, the Lucky Duck Foundation lent the shelter to Chula Vista for free and had the capacity to hold 250 people.
The decision was announced by Chula Vista Director of Development services Tiffany Allen and Senior Management Analyst Angelica Davis from the Housing Division at a Sept. 28 city council meeting. The city was waiting on land approval from the California Coastal Conservancy before the decision was made to use what was referred to as the “Tiny Homes” concept.
“It didn’t fit the needs of our community,” Davis said “We have looked at different options and (it not only was) the capacity but, especially through COVID, congregate housing is not necessarily recommended at this point. So, we are looking for units that are more individual.”
Discussion on this item was originally scheduled for Oct. 26, but was postponed “to get more details finalized before we can come to council” according to city spokeswoman Anne Steinberger. That same day, the nonprofit organization Community Through Hope held a peaceful rally at City Hall requesting the formation of a committee that will benefit unsheltered populations, bring accountability and collaborate in finding equitable solutions.
We needed that tent. It was for unsheltered people to be safe,” said Chief Executive Officer, Rosy Vasquez. “Though 'Tiny Homes' sound great, when might that happen? It poured rain last night and people slept out on the sidewalk. People probably got sick and lost their items. If the tent had been well thought out, and if we worked together as a community, we might've had that tent in the interim of getting something better like 'Tiny Homes'”.
The rally held by Community Through Hope was a direct result of the City’s rejection of the Springs Structure tent.
“It’s okay to be honest that you went the wrong direction, that’s how change happens. I understand why people feel like tiny houses seem like a better idea than some big massive tent. I really get it. Two thirds of Chula Vista's unsheltered community are suffering from co-occurring of mental health, or drug and alcohol abuse. You don't take those issues and put them in a glorified box with paint. It will not work.”
